Capital site promotes Belfast tourism

Belfast tourism and its bid to become a Capital of Culture received a boost on Wednesday March 20 with the launch of www.gotobelfast.com - Belfast's new official website.

The website, which was launched in the Odyssey Complex's W5 facility, is intended to offer a comprehensive view of what is happening in the city for residents and tourists. Information is regularly provided on tourist trips, heritage, transport and tours, hostels and B&Bs, nightlife, eating out in the north's capital. The launch will also improve Belfast's bid to become the 2008 European Capital of Culture.

It is hoped that the new website, www.gotobelfast.com , will become the leading web destination for visitors to Belfast and it represents a one-stop shop for prospective overseas visitors.

The site was set up by jointly by Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) and Investment Belfast, with Leapfrog providing funding and Osarius designing the site itself.

Stephen Prenter, of Investment Belfast, said: "Thirty per cent of independent travellers to the Mediterranean are now booking online. With 110 million Europeans and 50 per cent of Americans having access to the Internet, our site will particularly boost the short city-break market by allowing visitors to book flights, car hire, events and accommodation at the click of a mouse."

The BVCB was established in 1999 to promote Belfast as a major leisure and business tourism destination. The Bureau was established to work in partnership with the industry in promoting the city, and currently represents over 300 businesses in the Greater Belfast area.

The Bureau also manages the Belfast Tourist Information Centre - Belfast Welcome Centre - situated in Donegall Place, Belfast.

(GMcG)